Kerri Klatt
Staff Writer
“Every Dream Matters” was the theme of LCCC’s 53rd Commencement celebrated today. “Today is a celebration of dreams,” said LCCC President Marcia Ballinger, Ph.D., at the Commencement ceremony held at LCCC’s Ewing Activities Center. “Your dream matters-not only to you, but to everyone at Lorain County Community College, to our community, and to our world.”
There were 1,532 graduates whom earned diplomas, and 321 University Partnership graduates also crossed the stage. This is an increase in graduation rates as well as the most graduates in the college’s history. These graduates are students that have completed associates degrees, certificates of proficiency, University Partnership degrees, or short-term technical degrees. These graduates earned degrees during the summer or fall semesters of 2016 or the spring and summer semesters of 2017.  The estimated overall attendance of the commencement program is 3,500 people.
Jamie Brod, who graduated on Saturday, said, “LCCC has helped me to earn my associates degree and get two years of my bachelor’s degree out of the way. It also helped me gain a few new friends”. Brod will be attending Cleveland State University in the fall, working toward a major in speech language pathology.
“I feel excited to be moving forward with my education,” said Karmen Love. Love earned her Associates of Arts degree and will be transferring to CSU to further her education. Love’s future goals are to earn a Bachelor of Science while working towards a doctoral degree in physical therapy. “LCCC has helped me achieve my goals by allowing me to go to school for free with the Diversity Incentive Scholarship.”
David Peralta earned an Associated of Arts Degree and plans on continuing his education at LCCC to major in police science. “LCCC has many resources that one needs to succeed,” said Peralta “I am so happy to have finished this degree.”